Fantasy weekend: Reassessing the Rams fantasy value
In the feel good win of the year, so far, the St. Louis Rams made a convincing argument that their offense will score points this year, and that means there's some fantasy value to be had for the diligent GM. Let's take a look at the positions that could impact your fantasy fortunes along with giving you another reason to root for the Rams.
Steven Jackson's value was already high. In a league moving toward more specialists out of the backfield, Jackson remains one of just a handful of do-it-all backs. In just two preseason series, he's flashed the same ability he's always had, but the Rams' win against the Patriots may have bumped his value up a little more. Sam Bradford will give the Rams a legitimate passing game. That means Jackson will see far fewer 8, 9 and 10 men in the box when he's on the field. Bradford also knows how to check down when the field's closing around him, which will mean more receptions for Jackson. Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson will get most of the love atop fantasy drafts, but Jackson can be a top three running back without question.
Speaking of Sam Bradford, he has few doubters. As rookie, he won't be your best fantasy option, especially without a more established group of receivers around him. Prior to last night, I had him on the watch list, but I think he'd be a great backup option for your team who could sneak into a regular starting role depending on injuries and surprises among his peers.
No so long ago, I thought that Daniel Fells might be a decent option at tight end. No more. The guy who could be the steal of your draft and help you turn guffaws into acknowledgement of your brilliance is rookie TE Michael Hoomanawanui. Great hands and natural blocking ability have almost assured him a starting job with the Rams, and Bradford's propensity to make check downs successful combined with a Rams playbook that will always favor the short passes could make him a legit fantasy option.
Just when Donnie Avery started to emerge as a third or even second fantasy wide receiver his knee buckled on the New England turf. Don't know how much, but he will miss some time. The Rams should still be able to get a competent performance from their other receivers, but no one guy really stands out as a sure thing for solid numbers. Laurent Robinson is probably the best fantasy option among the Rams, but you might want to keep an eye on how things shake out as the season progresses.
With a weaker schedule the Rams defense might just be a nice middle-tier option for those who like to wait on a defense until late in the draft. Their special teams unit puts them above some better defenses for your DST spot on the roster.
Any others I'm missing?
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Don't forget D. Amendola
Very well may have a W. Welker type of year. Worth a later round selection.
Yeah...
that’s a good call :)
by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Aug 28, 2010 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions
How dare you leave out Danny..
Blasphemer!! j/k :-)
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
I still don't see much past Jackson.
if Bradford starts then yeah, he’s a potential backup and Hoom and/or a receiver (probably Robinson) could be useful, but that’s about it. I’d wait and see about the defense and pretty much anyone besides Jackson and Brown. Avery was the only other player regularly being drafted (and as a #4 or 5 wr usually). no point in drafting guys you can get off of waivers later.
IDP Leagues
In leagues where you choose your Individual Defensive Players, Animal Jr becomes a great pick. and Atogwe becomes a playable option.
Also, depending on the development of the D-Line in the last week of preseason, you could see Long becoming a viable option also on flex weeks.
i have
JL, beason, woodson and jared allen for individual defenders…talk about lucky :)
I used to upload the NCAA Football '09 and '10 rosters into Madden and always drafted Sam Bradford onto the Rams in Franchise Mode...I liked him before he was cool =)
by douchiedude on Aug 28, 2010 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions
As good as he is,
I just don’t see SJax as a top 3 RB pick. The problem is that he doesn’t score enough TDs, and I don’t see that changing a lot this year. I hope it does, but I’m not willing to bet my fantasy future on it.
if this offense can be in the middle of the pack
i expect sjax to have at least 10 td’s. but we shall wait and see.
I used to upload the NCAA Football '09 and '10 rosters into Madden and always drafted Sam Bradford onto the Rams in Franchise Mode...I liked him before he was cool =)
by douchiedude on Aug 28, 2010 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Just got this from Stvinnie maybe some one is interested
I have created a Private ESPN Fantasy Football League for all of my fans to challenge me. I have thrown down the gauntlet and will take on all comers. I think it will be great for Rams fans to get together and battle each other in a competitive league. The league is free and I will try to provide prizes at the end of the year.
Where – ESPN
Draft Type – Live Draft
Draft Date – 9/1/2010
Draft Time – 8PM CST
League Name – St. Louis Ram Fan
Password – GORAMS
Stlvinnie
Twitter @Stlvinnie

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